Repeatedly relocating from New York to Oklahoma despite receiving a $10,000 payment - What could prompt such recurrent decision-making?
In a surprising turn of events, an individual, who hails from Brooklyn and spent over two decades living in Pelham, New York, decided to embark on a new journey. This journey led them to Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city they never imagined would become their new home.
The individual found a spacious one-bedroom apartment for $1,600 per month, a far cry from the proposed rent of approximately 3,004 euros per month in New York after the rent increase. This apartment, located right across from the Arkansas River and within walking distance of a beautiful park, offered a view of the river and amenities such as a pool, a parking spot, and their own washer and dryer.
Tulsa, known for its diverse and highly praised culinary scene, has continued to impress the individual. The city's thriving food culture is just one of the many reasons that attracted them to Tulsa.
The individual discovered the Tulsa Remote program, an initiative launched in 2019, designed to attract remote workers to Tulsa. The program offers a $10,000 stipend paid out over a year to those who relocate and commit to living in Tulsa for at least one year. The program aims to diversify Tulsa's economy, traditionally dependent on oil and gas, by bringing in knowledge workers, particularly in tech fields like software engineering and data science.
The Tulsa Remote program benefits remote workers by providing a financial incentive, membership to a co-working space for 36 months, opportunities for social engagement and volunteering, and access to a lower cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas. Since its inception, over 3,600 remote workers have been attracted to Tulsa, with the program demonstrating strong retention rates.
For the individual, the lower cost of living in Tulsa has been a game-changer. They were able to pay off their credit card debt and improve their quality of life significantly. The move also allowed them to overcome their fear of exploring new spaces and places, leading to a newfound sense of peace, belonging, and creativity in Tulsa that they did not have in New York.
The move has also prepared the individual for the next phase of their life and career. They have made new friends through Tulsa Remote events and have a network to easily expand their social circle if needed. Tulsa's vibrant music scene, with artists like Pink, Bad Bunny, and Hozier performing at the BOK Center, has added to their enjoyment of the city.
However, their peaceful life in Tulsa was disrupted in 2022 when their apartment building was sold to developers who planned to renovate it, requiring them to leave and return at double the rent. Despite this setback, the individual received a stipend of approximately 10,000 US dollars for their move, which has helped them navigate this challenging time.
In conclusion, the Tulsa Remote program offers remote workers financial, professional, and social incentives in exchange for relocating to and investing in the Tulsa community, making it one of the most successful remote work incentive programs in the U.S. For the individual, Tulsa has provided a fresh start, a new sense of belonging, and a lower cost of living, transforming their life in ways they never imagined.
- What about the individual's decision to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma, might inspire others seeking a lifestyle change? They found a home offering amenities like a pool, a parking spot, and their own washer and dryer, all for $1,600 per month - a significant decrease from their proposed rent in New York.
- If you're interested in personal finance and career development, the Tulsa Remote program could be an opportunity worth considering. Offering a $10,000 stipend plus a supportive community and resources for remote workers, it provides financial incentives and a lower cost of living compared to many major cities.
- For those seeking education, self-development, or home-and-garden inspiration, Tulsa might not immediately come to mind. However, beyond the thriving food culture and vibrant music scene, the city offers a chance to pay off debt, improve quality of life, and overcome fears of new environments - life lessons that prove valuable in various aspects of personal growth and development.
